KUALA LUMPUR – “It’s hard for Malaysia’s national women’s hockey team to progress if they don’t step out of their comfort zone.”
This was the candid response from master tactician Kim Sang-ryul when asked about the current form of the national women’s hockey team under the guidance of Nasihin Nubli.
Nasihin’s charges recently embarked on a tour, playing six matches against the Welsh national team in Cardiff from August 2 to August 10, only to return without a single victory against the world number 25 side.
The Malayan Tigress drew 2-2 in one match and lost the next two with identical scores of 2-1. In their remaining three matches, which offered ranking points, they drew 2-2, lost 2-0, and drew the final match 2-2 against a Welsh team that featured many players from the English League, who were preparing for the European league that begins next month.
Speaking to Scoop from China’s Liaoning province, Sang-ryul, who played a pivotal role in leading the Chinese women’s team to a silver medal finish at the Paris Olympics, observed that the Malaysian players are well-equipped with basic skills but are lacking the desire to improve.
The 69-year-old, regarded as one of the best coaches in the game, also said that it will take more time for the national women’s team to even reach the level of China if they don’t change their attitude.
Known as “Xuělián” (The Snow Lotuses) among hockey fans in China, the Chinese women’s team, guided by former Australian player Alyson Annan and under Sang-ryul’s consultancy, defied all expectations by toppling formidable sides like Australia, Belgium, France, and Japan to reach the final against the mighty Netherlands.
The last time China reached an Olympic final was on home soil at Beijing 2008.
In fact, the Chinese women’s team, with an average age of 24, recorded the biggest win at this year’s Paris Olympics, defeating the home team 7-1 in a group-stage match.
“I have seen the Malaysian women’s team play in several tournaments, and I’m not going to deny that they are good with their basics and techniques.
“But they are lacking in terms of mobility and the desire to fight and get better. It’s very evident from their body language and gameplay, and this is something that needs to change if they hope to improve.
“There is no point in blaming the coaches, as they can only do their best for the team. At the end of the day, it’s all about the players. Players can only improve if they are willing to step out of their comfort zones.
“Hence, I personally believe that it’s hard for Malaysia’s women’s hockey to progress if they don’t get out of their comfort zone and start working harder to elevate their gameplay,” said Sang-ryul when contacted.
The Malayan Tigress are currently ranked number 23 in the world with 1,339.93 points. – August 21, 2024